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15 August 2015

A scene: we are gathered together, young and old…kids from
age 3 to eighth grade, parents in their forties, friends in their twenties.

We make a circle and in the center a story is told with the
use of props…some felt, wooden cutouts, a candle, copper wire twisted in the
shape of a tree and some stained glass panels. It’s a familiar Bible story…when God speaks to
Moses at the burning bush. The story
goes that Moses’ name means “drawn out” but here in the desert God draws Moses
in. So, Moses comes closer to God, attracted by mystery. But Moses
cannot come too close.

God says, “Take off your sandals; this is holy ground.”

Later, we wonder about the story and someone asks why God
told Moses to take off his sandals. Then another person asks, “What is holy
ground, anyway? What made that ground so special?”

We made some interesting observations. Meanwhile, the
three-year old played quietly, contentedly in the lap of his sixth-grade
friend.

Then I asked, “I wonder what it feels like to be on holy
ground?”

Without hesitation,
one of the adults said, “I know. Like that.”

He pointed to the little child, playing.

We knew his answer was perfect.

PlayFull exists to help people and organizations play from
the inside-out. We offer training in a unique kind of children’s ministry that
integrates the formation of young and old. Write Troy Cady for more
information.

14 August 2015

“A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of
wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed
vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed
and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy
who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask
that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible
that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the
boredom and disenchantment of later years…the alienation from the sources of
our strength.”